Oral Health

Oral health is a critical component of overall health and well-being, and it is also an essential aspect of public health. The condition of a person’s oral health can – at a minimum – affect their ability to speak, eat, and socialize comfortably. Oral health problems can also lead to pain, infection, and other serious health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and diabetes, through various mechanisms still being elucidated.

Table of Contents

Article 1 | In This Issue – Oral Health
Omar Khan, M.D., M.H.S. & Timothy E. Gibbs, M.P.H.

Article 2 | Guest Editors – Oral Health
Jeffrey M. Cole, D.D.S., M.B.A., F.A.G.D. & Daniel J. Meara, M.S., M.D., D.M.D., M.H.C.D.S., F.A.C.S.

Article 3 | Toward Optimal Health for All: The American Dental Association Takes on Sugar and its Impact on Oral Health
George R. Shepley, D.D.S.

Article 4 | A Public Health Update: The Oral Health of Delaware’s Kindergarten and Third Grade Children in 2022
Nicholas R. Conte, Jr., D.M.D., M.B.A.

Article 5 | Odontogenic Infections and a Pound of Prevention
Daniel J. Meara, M.S., M.D., D.M.D., M.H.C.D.S., F.A.C.S.

Article 6 | More Premiums Spent on Patient Care? A Great Idea That Should Apply to Dental Insurance
Mark A. Vitale, D.M.D.

Article 7 | The National Healthy People Initiative: History, Significance, and Embracing the 2030 Oral Health Objectives
Timothy L. Ricks, D.M.D., M.P.H., F.I.C.D., F.A.C.D., F.P.F.A.

Article 8 | Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and the Current State of Oropharyngeal Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Jacob P. Gribb, D.M.D.; John H. Wheelock, D.D.S.; & Etern S. Park, M.D., D.D.S.

Article 9 | Update on Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws
Barry C. Boyd, D.M.D., M.D., F.A.C.S.

Article 10 | Reconsidering Autonomy: Ethical Reflections from the Frontlines of IDD Dental Care
Andrew Swiatowicz, D.D.S., D.A.B.D.S.M., F.A.G.D. & Brandon Ambrosino, M.T.S.

Article 11 | The Mouth is the Mirror to the Body: Oral-Systemic Health
Roopali Kulkarni, D.M.D., M.P.H.

Article 12 | Safety in the Dental Office
Louis K. Rafetto, D.M.D., M.Ed.

Article 13 | Career and Technical Education: The Future of Delaware’s Healthcare Workforce
Jonathan S. Lee, B.A.

Article 14 | Patient Safety at Forefront of OMS Anesthesia Delivery
Paul J. Schwartz, D.M.D.